61. Maribor Theatre Festival: Incubator

The incubator, a critical tool in rescuing premature infants, symbolises an unwavering commitment to safeguarding every human life, even those yet to attain biological self-sufficiency. By precisely regulating temperature, humidity and oxygen levels and minimising external stimuli, incubators significantly contribute to the survival and healthy development of infants born prematurely.

The theatre exploration interconnects the symbolic value of the incubators and the brutal actuality of the Gaza war. The haunting images of incubators in Al-Shifa Hospital deprived of power, and the infants left to huddle together for warmth, bring forth a pressing inquiry into the limits of (in)humanity.

Oliver Frljić attempted to create a similar project in Germany, which has been his theatre domicile in the last few years. This proved impossible due to German suppression of any pro-Palestinian voices. So, he reconnected with the Mladinsko Theatre, where he created some of his most resonant (and controversial) projects that have toured Europe and beyond.

Première 16. 5. 2025, Zgornja dvorana, Slovensko mladinsko gledališče

Running time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
English surtitles

Post-performance discussion with the artists.

Director Oliver Frljić
Dramaturg Goran Injac
Set designer Igor Pauška
Costume designer Slavica Janošević
Assistant director Bor Ravbar
Assistant set designer Demijan Pintarič
Choreography consultant Dragana Alfirević
Lighting designer Kristina Kokalj
Music selector Oliver Frljić
Sound designer Sven Horvat
Language consultant Mateja Dermelj
Stage manager Liam Hlede

Cast
Lina Akif, Daša Doberšek, Klemen Kovačič, Draga Potočnjak as guest, Matej Recer, Blaž Šef, Vito Weis

Special thanks to Bojana Piškur and Erik Valenčič.